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Cats/Fighting Sibblings

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Expert: - 1/14/2008


Question
I have two cats, one male and one female and they are sibbling litter mates. They are 12 weeks old and have been living with me for about a month. Recently I have began to notice that the male's whiskers are broken on one side of his face, all that remains are little half whiskers. I have also noticed that he is missing a little chunk of hair by his ear. Today when I got home from a movie, I quickly noticed that his eye is all red and bloodshot. I have noticed that when the two cats play the female is very rough with her brother and often makes him squeak. The male is also much smaller that her sister and I am afraid that she is really hurting him! The male is also very withdrawn and tends to spend most of his time hiding curled up in a ball somewhere. I am nto sure what to do! Should I separate them when I am not home? I don't want her to hurt him and I want him to be sociable. When he is not around her he is definately more loving then when she is around. Please help!

Answer
Hi Jessica,

I would suggest you try a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. It mimics cat's happy pheromones. See if this calms her down. She is developing aggressive behaviors that if not checked now could lead to major problems later. Let me know if this works. If it doesn't write back. Keeping them separate is an option. You might want to talk to your vet at how young he spays at. This will also help. Good luck.

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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